Directions

Place a grill pan over high heat. Drizzle both sides of the bread with olive oil. Grill the bread, on both sides, until toasted, about 3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

In a large saute pan or cast iron skillet, melt the butter with the shallots, herbs and mussels. Add the wine and seasonings, to taste. Cover and cook over high heat until the mussels are open. Season to taste and finish with chopped parsley. Place the grilled bread on top of the mussels and drizzle with Bearnaise Sauce.

In a small saucepan, combine the shallots, pepper, white wine, and vinegar. Reduce over medium heat until 1 tablespoon liquid remains.

In a heat-resistant mixing bowl, combine the egg yolks, water, salt, and shallot mixture. Whip over hot, but not boiling, water until thick and creamy. Slowly whisk in the butter, a few drops at a time, until the sauce begins to emulsify. In a slow stream, whisk in the remaining butter until it is completely incorporated. Whisk in the tarragon. Correct seasoning to taste. Keep warm until needed.

Yield: 1 1/2 cups

Recipe courtesy Wolfgang Puck, Modern French Cooking for the American Kitchen: Houghton Mifflin, 1981